The healing took less time than expected.
One of the Beastkin—an older wolf woman named Freya—examined Violet's cut with practiced efficiency.
"Clean," she pronounced. "Kari's precise even when she's trying to hurt you."
She applied a stinging salve that made Violet hiss.
"Hold still." Freya wrapped bandages with quick, sure movements. "You did well today. Kari doesn't give compliments lightly."
"I lost."
"You learned." Freya tied off the bandage. "Different thing."
She packed away her supplies. "Rest. Keep it clean. You'll be fine."
***
Violet spent the afternoon at the refuge.
Not training. Just... existing among the Beastkin. Watching their lives unfold.
Children played near the central fire—a game involving counting and jumping that she didn't quite understand but that made them shriek with laughter.
Mothers prepared food. Warriors maintained weapons. Elders told stories to anyone who would listen.
It was normal. Almost peaceful.
Hard to believe that weeks ago, these same people had been running for their lives. Fighting battles. Watching friends die.
Vael found her sitting against a tree, watching the activity.
"Heard you fought Kari this morning," he said, dropping down beside her. "With real blades."
"News travels fast."
"Bara was very enthusiastic about sharing." Vael grinned. "Said you lasted three minutes. That's impressive."
"I still lost."
"You're alive and learning. That's winning." He pulled his knees to his chest. "I wish I could have watched."
"Next time you can. Apparently I have an audience now."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while. Around them, the refuge continued its rhythm.
"Violet," Vael said eventually. "Can I ask you something?"
"Always."
"Why are you doing this? The training, I mean. You could just... live normally. Be a kid. But instead you're pushing yourself harder than most warriors twice your age."
Violet was quiet for a moment, considering.
"Because I'm tired of being helpless," she said finally. "Tired of watching other people fight while I hide. Tired of being too weak to protect the people I love."
She looked at her bandaged side. "Every bruise, every cut, every time Kari knocks me down—it means I'm getting stronger. And stronger means I can keep Mama and Papa safe. Keep you safe. Keep everyone safe."
"That's a lot of weight for one person to carry."
"Maybe." Violet smiled slightly. "But I'm not carrying it alone anymore, am I?"
Vael bumped his shoulder against hers. "No. You're really not."
***
That evening, Violet helped Maria prepare dinner.
Chopping vegetables. Stirring the pot. Simple tasks that grounded her after the intensity of the morning.
"You're quiet," Maria observed.
"Thinking."
"About?"
Violet set down her knife. "Kari said tomorrow we start learning the real techniques. The Claws of the Snow Leopard."
Maria's hands paused in their work. "That's a significant thing. Those techniques are... they're not just fighting skills. They're a legacy. Kari doesn't share them lightly."
"I know." Violet resumed chopping. "That's what makes it terrifying."
"Terrifying how?"
"What if I'm not worthy of it? What if I learn these techniques and then fail when it actually matters?"
Maria moved to stand beside her. Took the knife gently from her hands.
"Listen to me," she said softly. "Worthiness isn't something you're born with. It's something you prove through choice. Through showing up every day even when it's hard. Through trying even when you're scared."
She cupped Violet's face. "You've already proven yourself worthy. Now you just have to believe it."
Violet leaned into her mother's touch. "How do you always know exactly what to say?"
"I don't. I just know you." Maria kissed her forehead. "Now finish those vegetables. Your father will be home soon and he'll complain if dinner isn't ready."
"Papa never complains."
"He complains silently. With his face." Maria's eyes twinkled. "You'll learn to read it eventually."
***
# Chapter - 106
The next morning arrived cold and clear.
Violet stood in the training ground before dawn, alone except for the mist rising from frozen earth.
She'd come early. Wanted time to prepare herself mentally for what was coming.
The Claws of the Snow Leopard.